A Study on the English Translation of Li Ping’er’s Medical Cases in Jin Ping MeiOA

Translating traditional Chinese medicine(TCM)knowledge requires the transformation of“local knowledge”into“universal knowledge”rather than mere linguistic conversion.This study takes the translated medical cases of Li Ping’er(李瓶儿)in Jin Ping Mei(《金瓶梅》The Plum in the Golden Vase)as the research object,and systematically examines the translation practice and communication effect of three core categories of TCM knowledge in David Tod Roy’s(芮效卫)English translation,namely pulse diagnosis,fundamental TCM theories,and TCM medicinal and formula treatment.As a landmark work in the overseas dissemination of Jin Ping Mei,Roy’s translation restores the literary,social,and cultural value of the original text through complete translation and detailed annotations,and strikes a balance between literary narrative fluency and textual fidelity.Nevertheless,as the translator is limited by his professional background,there are deviations in his translation of some core TCM concepts,which fail to fully convey the diagnostic and therapeutic logic of TCM.This is a common dilemma faced by literary translators when rendering the highly specialized TCM system.This study offers insights into the interpretation of TCM knowledge for Western audiences in translated literary texts,forming a more accurate and in-depth understanding of TCM as a unique knowledge system in cross-cultural communication.